BMW Active Hybrid 3 Combines Performance With Excitement

BMW markets itself as the ultimate driving machine and that reflects on its hybrid as well. BMW is not renowned for hybrids but it might come as a surprise to you that BMW has been doing hybrids for some time now. It has X6 SUV, 7-Series, 5-Series hybrids under its belt. The Active Hybrid 3 isn’t designed to maximize fuel economy rather it is filling a gap between the 335i and new M3 due next year.

The power train is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine in accordance with a 54bhp electric motor churning out a massive 335bhp and 450Nm of torque. It travels 2.4miles on electric power alone. The engine delivers a lot of torque and with the electric motor adding its share, power delivery is even smoother and refined. It comes mated with an eight-speed auto gearbox. The rowdy engine note is there, giving the car a sporty feel.

The car went from side to side in corners as the weight of the batteries and electronics takes its toll. You should go for the adaptive dampers to take care of this slinging around. BMW’s intention was from the beginning was to make the 3 series a hybrid so the battery packs sits under the boot. Hence, space has decreased from 480 litres to 390 litres. However, this doesn’t impact the interior space. It comes equipped with a 6.5inch iDrive system, shift paddles, cruise control, multifunction wheel and air-con. BMW is expected to sell 100 cars a year in the UK as BMW’s main aim with this car is petrol-loving markets. It is priced at £40,235. The 0-62mph time is 5.3seconds and has a limited top speed of 155mph.

The BMW Active Hybrid 3 gives 47.9 mpg and the CO2 emissions are 139g/km. All 3 Series Saloon models have fuel saving methods under its sleeve. Automatic start/stop, an ECO PRO drive mode, break energy regeneration help it to have a respectable fuel efficiency figures. It also has front sport seats, a power sunroof; Dakota leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and a nine speaker sound system. It has a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. Although this car is hybrid but it has envy making acceleration and it might be a green alternative to the M3. It is not the sharpest 3 series to drive but the effortless switch between electric and hybrid petrol power is impressive. Still this car will not fare well in markets such as UK, where diesel is the main fuel.